Entry level surround build

[Pwaynez]

I am building my first home theater and finally settled on getting a PJ, have picked out my screen, but the big question (and the least I know about) is what system to build. I do not need any quality for music I only will be using my system for movies/sports/television shows. A must have is a clear center speaker as I hate mumbled conversation/audio. I have a tight budget of about $600-$800.

I was originally going to purchase the Pioneer Andrew Jones set 5.1 setup and sub into but due to area constraint the floor standing speakers are too wide to fit in my space. The room size I would say is 'medium' and I was thinking about the Polk PSW-10 sub for a budget option as I have read endless positive reviews on it - however I am willing to hear other opinions on subs.

I have heard the Polk CS10 and T30 are great for center speakers but I have only started looking so more input is welcome. I need slim floor standing or bookshelf speakers for the fronts as I am limited on space. I think 5.1 system will be best for the space. Seating is located along the walls unfortunately. I have extremely little audio knowledge so any and all educational information with suggestions would be appreciated.

Lastly, when piecing a system together, how do I know what is compatible with other speakers/receiver?

 

[KEW]

How far will you sit from the front speakers?

I always enjoy a challenge like this!
Here is a great review on budget subwoofers, as evaluated by Brent Butterworth! Brent is the real deal as far as a reviewer that takes measurements and listens carefully (and one of very few reviewers short of the ones here on AH to do so). I am familiar with a few of the subs he has reviewed and totally agree with his comments on those.
https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-budget-subwoofer/
The Dayton Audio SUB1200 he recommends does an amazing job for he bargain price on it! I have considered it a best buy for quite awhile.
Here is another review of the SUB1200 from our own Jman :
https://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/speaker-subwoofer-reviews/71766-dayton-audio-sub-1200-subwoofer-review.html

So that leaves $450-650 in you budget for the speakers.

Your comment about a clear center channel makes for an easy choice:
The Infinity RC253 as a best inb class center channel that can be had through Amazon for $330. It is occasionally discounted for less through NewEgg or Direct from Harmon, if you can wait.
https://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Reference-Center-Channel-Speaker/dp/B00K7DPUE6/ref=asc_df_B00K7DPUE6/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242023900698&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2478503404078053512&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010826&hvtargid=pla-588276937370&psc=1

(Budget alternative is the Infinity RC252 for $180. It is very nice, but I would consider the 3-way RC253 a class leader!)

That leaves $120-320 in your budget, which means we won't meet the low end of your budget.
The matching bookshelf speakers to the center are the (refurbished by Infinity) Infinity R162 at $175/pr.
https://www.harmanaudio.com/speakers/R162BK-Z.html?mrkgcl=989&mrkgadid=3317797001&utm_campaign=Con|GSC|Product&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=paid-search&utm_term=554317961919_channel_online_brand_infinity_product_type_home_audio_speakers_p&product_id=R162BK-Z&utm_content=Infinity&adpos=1o6&creative=289428576674&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgezoBRDNARIsAGzEfe5rTQ9YIDbtG3z4p2c2hOWdybGoMM99AxD_QhCN0BYXnWILoCkn798aAnxVEALw_wcB

That leaves $245 of your $800 budget.
For surrounds (which are not quite so critical as the front 3),I am assuming you want wall mounting, so I am a fan of good speakers that include the mounting system (which can add substantially to the cost or labor required to install). Although I have not heard these exact speakers, everything I have heard from Canton has impressed me (and these speakers are actually made in Germany). For $150 (MSRP $500) they should be pretty amazing!
https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/cantcd1202wga/canton-cd-120.2-3-compact-bookshelf-speaker-white-gloss-pair/1.html
Note that the picture show them on stand mounts! The actual wall mounts would look like this (but white):

That puts total budget at $705 (all prices include shipping)

Note 1: If white surrounds will not work in your room, you can get black, but it costs an extra $100!:
https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/cantcd1020blka/canton-cd-1020-3-2-way-bookshelf-speaker-w/wall-mounts-black-pair/1.html

Note 2: If you would prefer bookshelf speakers to wall mount, go with refurbished Infinity R152 for $140/pr.
https://www.harmanaudio.com/speakers/R152BK-Z.html?mrkgcl=989&mrkgadid=3308392285&utm_campaign=Con|GSC|Brand+(No+Product)&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=paid-search&utm_term=520457208124_channel_online_brand_infinity_product_type_home_audio_speakers&product_id=R152BK-Z&utm_content=Infinity&adpos=1o3&creative=289426932644&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgezoBRDNARIsAGzEfe6kL0yep3dvrCiOJDCWu5tw8L15Iy47LdktgObuRpro1JbFQQGYqhEaAupuEALw_wcB

 

[Pwaynez]

95% of the time it will be myself and fiance sitting approx 11'-12' from the screen. I would say this is the main distance I want to focus on. I will take a look into those options (at work currently so I cant read too much). I appreciate all input! Any recommendations on receivers? I dont need anything overkill and I dont know hardly a thing about them or what they do other than control the speakers. I know I will do some reading myself just curious if you have a recommendation.

 

[shadyJ]

Do you need an AVR within that budget as well as speakers?

 

[Pwaynez]

Do you need an AVR within that budget as well as speakers?

I sure do! I have zero clue about these as well. I am going to make a post about this though.

 

[panteragstk]

IMHO, I would just get the front 3 and a decent receiver. Save up, get the rest.

I love my Andrew Jones Pioneer towers, but even going with the bookshelf version and a center you are going to blow your budget. Those aren't made any longer (IIRC) so getting used may be your only option.

That brings up a point. For you, I'd recommend going the used route. As long as gear is taken care of, it's going to continue to work well for years to come.

 

[shadyJ]

I sure do! I have zero clue about these as well. I am going to make a post about this though.

I would look at what you can get from accessories4less.com for an AVR, in the $300 range. That leaves about $500 for speakers. If it were me, I think I would swing for a Dayton MK442 front stage, mk402 rears, a sub1500. Here is a system list:
Integra DTR-40 AVR: $300
Dayton SUB-1500: $200
Dayton MK442 for front left, right, and center: $150. Use the front left and right MK442s upright per this review's advice, small discount can be had per pair on this page.
Dayton MK402 for rear and side surround: $100

That will give you a good 7.1 system for $750 before shipping. If you need bookshelf speaker mounts, these are very good ones for the money. Remember that you have to buy speaker cable and HDMI cable too. I would just use Parts-express for that or Monoprice. If that all is getting a bit pricey for you, maybe get a $250 AVR and cutting down to a 5.1 system buy only buying one pair of MK402s which will save you a little bit. You could also step the sub down to a Dayton SUB-1200 or Monoprice 12".

 

[zieglj01]

5 each Boston A25 speakers will run you around $375 ..... get a Dayton R1200 sub .... and then your receiver